How AI is Used in Euro 2024 & 6 Ways You Can Use It Too

AI in football? Yes, this technology is already here.

 

Euro 2024 offers more than just exciting football matches. This year's tournament can be called "AI Euro 2024" since it combines the thrill of football with artificial intelligence, blending sports action with innovative technology.

 

From high-tech VAR systems to smart match balls and other innovations, AI is changing how football is played, refereed, and enjoyed by fans everywhere.

 

In this article, you'll:

 

• discover how the use of AI in football enhances the experience
• explore various ways AI is used in Euro 2024
• explain how you can use AI in football too
• learn how Onix can help you make the most of AI technology.

Why is AI Gaining Popularity in Football?

AI used in football is making a big impact in sports, bringing with it several significant advantages:

 

• Enhanced decision-making process during matches, such as offside calls and penalty decisions
• Optimizing player performance and training
• Personalized fan engagement through personalized content recommendations, interactive match analyses
• Strategic insights and game analysis that help refine tactics, adjust strategies during matches and gain a competitive edge over rivals
• Effective players' workload management and injury prevention through tracking real-time data such as heart rate variability, muscle fatigue, and injury risks
• AI provides a neutral and unbiased assessment that isn't affected by human emotions or biases

 

 

 

How AI is Transforming Euro 2024

So, how is AI used in football?  Let's dive into the example of Euro 2024 to find out.

 

Video Assistant Referee (VAR)

Introduced in 2016, video assistant referee technology has been both a blessing and a source of debate in football. Despite mixed reactions, VAR has greatly improved the accuracy of important decisions.

 

Euro 2024 introduced an upgraded, semi-automated VAR system, incorporating AI and real-time data from a location-tracking chip embedded in the ball.

VAR at Euro 2024 

 

Here's how it works:

 

The AI-powered VAR system uses ten cameras around each stadium, tracking 29 points on every player's body at 50 frames per second. This creates a detailed 3D model of the players' movements, helping referees make quick and accurate decisions on offsides, goals, and other crucial moments.

 

The real-time data processing cuts the average decision time from 70 seconds to under 30, keeping the game flowing smoothly.

 

Read also: How AI can transform your business

 

Semi-Automated Offside Technology

One of the most notable uses of AI in football games is the semi-automated offside technology. 

Semi-automated offside technology

 

This technology uses AI to track players' limbs and positions relative to the ball and other players. With 12 dedicated tracking cameras, it creates detailed 3D models of players' movements, accurately and quickly determining offside positions.

 

The system instantly alerts the VAR team when a potential offside situation occurs. The VAR operators validate and confirm the alert before informing the on-field referee.

 

This technology ensures that offside decisions are made quickly and correctly, improving the fairness and flow of the game.

The Smart Ball: Fussballliebe

One of the vivid examples of using artificial intelligence at a football game is the Adidas Fussballliebe match ball.

The official ball for Euro 2024 – Adidas Fussballliebe 

 

This ball has a sensor that records data 500 times per second, providing incredible insights into its movement. First introduced at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, this technology helps officials make faster and more accurate decisions regarding offsides and handballs.

 

The sensor, suspended in the center of the Fussballliebe ball, does not affect its aerodynamics or weight distribution. Weighing just 14 grams, the chip is negligible compared to the ball's total weight of around 410–450 grams. 

 

The data collected by the ball is synchronized with the AI system, enhancing the accuracy of the semi-automated offside technology by precisely determining the moment of contact during passes and shots.

 

As you can see, AI is transforming Euro 2024 in many ways, from improving officiating with advanced VAR and offside technologies to enhancing the fan experience and helping teams with strategies. 

As AI technology advances, its influence on football will expand, promising an exciting future for the sport.

 

Below, we'll show several ways of using AI for football.

 

Artificial Intelligence in Football: App: Ideas You Can Develop

 

Player Performance Prediction Models

Using historical data, match conditions, and opponent analysis, you can create AI algorithms that predict player performance.

 

These models could assist coaches in making decisions about starting lineups, substitutions, and tactical adjustments by forecasting how each player might contribute in different game situations.

 

Real-Time Injury Risk Assessment

Develop AI-powered systems that track player biometrics and movement patterns during training and matches to assess real-time injury risks.

 

By analyzing data from wearable devices like heart rate variability and impact forces, these systems can alert coaching staff and medical teams early, facilitating proactive injury prevention strategies.

Personalized Training Programs

Use AI to create personalized training programs customized to each player's strengths, weaknesses, and physical condition. By analyzing performance data and biomechanical metrics, AI can suggest specific drills, exercises, and recovery protocols to enhance player development and reduce the risk of injuries.

 

Enhanced Video Analysis and Scouting

Improve video analysis with AI algorithms that automatically tag and categorize key events during matches, like goals, assists, and defensive actions. AI can also analyze extensive scouting footage to pinpoint rising talent and evaluate player potential using performance metrics and comparisons of playing styles.

 

Learn more: How to Build Teams for AI Projects

 

Fan Engagement and Interactive Experiences

Develop AI-driven platforms and apps that boost fan engagement by offering interactive experiences during live matches. These platforms can provide real-time statistics, predictive analytics, and augmented reality overlays, enhancing the viewing experience and encouraging fans to interact more deeply with the game.

 

A great example of such innovation is NFL team simulator development, where users engage with realistic sports simulations powered by advanced AI.

 

Virtual Reality Training Simulations

Create VR training simulations enhanced by AI that replicate game scenarios and tactical challenges for players to train in a controlled environment. AI algorithms can adapt scenarios based on player performance, enabling personalized skill development and practice in strategic decision-making.

 

Onix is also developing a VR application for goalkeepers on Meta Quest 3. Users practice making saves at irregular intervals with increasing difficulty over several minutes.

Onix’s contribution to VR integration in sports training 

 

How Onix Can Help

 

     - Want to make sure your product idea is viable? Let's create a PoC/prototype of your product.

 

Our experts can build a prototype of your product to evaluate critical features and ensure it's a solid idea before you proceed with full development.

        - Want to build an AI app for football and looking for an experienced, dedicated team? We form a dedicated software development team for you. 

 

We assemble a fully dedicated software development team to bring your AI product vision to fruition. You can concentrate on scaling your business as we manage all project details. Count on us to ensure a smooth and transparent development process at every stage.

         - Are you unsure how to apply AI technology and start leveraging it? Talk to our experts and get a consultation.

 

We'll demonstrate how AI technology can benefit you. By analyzing your goals, we'll recommend the AI solution that best meets your specific needs.

 

At whatever stage you are in your AI app development, please contact Onix for consultation or assistance. We are here to help!

 

FAQ

 

What are the prospects of AI in football?

The future of AI in football is promising, with ongoing advancements expected in player analytics, injury prevention, fan engagement, and referee support systems. As AI technology evolves, its applications in football will expand, contributing to the sport's evolution and global popularity.

 

How much does it cost to develop an AI app for football?

The cost of developing an AI app for football can vary widely depending on several factors, including the app's complexity, the specific functionalities required, the expertise of the development team, and the geographic location of the development.

 

Approximate cost estimates:

 

• Basic AI app: Simple AI-driven features such as basic player analytics or real-time match statistics could start from $50,000 to $100,000.

 

• Medium complexity app: AI apps with more advanced features, such as real-time injury risk assessment, tactical simulations, and fan engagement tools, may cost between $100,000 and $500,000.

 

• High complexity app: AI apps requiring complex AI algorithms, extensive data integration, VR simulations, or comprehensive coaching tools could exceed $500,000, reaching into the millions for large-scale projects.

 

How do I choose the best development company to create an AI app for football?

Here is a checklist for selecting the right development company:

 

•  Expertise in AI and sports-related projects
•  Strong portfolio and positive client testimonials
•  Skilled and experienced development team
•  Clear and efficient communication practices
•  Robust data security and IP protection policies
•  Detailed proposal and competitive pricing
•  Commitment to post-development support and scalability

 

What steps should I take to initiate the development of an AI app for football with Onix?

 

All you need to do:

 

Just share your idea, and we'll analyze it and schedule a call to get started on bringing your concept to life.

 

Get in touch with us here!